Liverpool and Chelsea are getting set to face-off in the first of the CL Semifinals this week - and many of us/you cannot wait. This should be a great tie – both of them should be – and I have to give the edge to Liverpool and Rafa Benitez. The Reds Skipper doesn’t have a clue when it comes to winning the league but when he goes into Europe – the guys is money!! And to say Avram Grant is overmatched is perhaps the understatement of the season. I don’t care what the Chelsea players are saying about being behind Grant to the media – we all know that behind the secenes John Terry, et. Al know if Chelsea are going to get through, it’s upto them and not the tactics of Grant. We’ve been hearing mixed reports about whether Grant will be back as a manager next season – safe to say the outcome of this tie will determine his future.

Hope he hasn’t gotten too comfy in his ‘Bridge office.

As for United v. Barcelona – this one is anyone’s guess. Yes, I am a United supporter but a wounded animal is one you never want to face. And after the shambles versus Blackburn at the weekend, I just hope Barca weren’t watching that game! Rovers were all over United in the middle of the park and much like Arsenal – take away the passing lanes and pressure the midfield and you’ll have a shot at winning. And what’s with the United defence the past few weeks? Vidic and Ferdinand have been rock solid in the middle - but they looked like they were playing together for the 1st time on the Santa Cruz tally Saturday. Still, United have the form and if they stay in top form, Barcelona are done. Henry is a question but Messi is back – and Barca will need Messi to play with that chip firmly placed on his shoulder.

This should be a great battle.

My picks to go through are Liverpool and United over the two legs.

So we’re through four weeks of the MLS season and damned if I can tell you what the heck is going on from week to week!! It’s making playing Fantasy Football a complete crapshoot! Last term you had ‘locks’ but this year it is a matter of a coin-flip.

I will say this about the Fantasy stuff – the scoring system is completely messed up. Much like the ACTUAL league, MLS Fantasy is a work in progress so let’s hope they get it sorted because a GK being your top point-earner is bunk. And changing managers should NOT count against your weekly transfers. Reduce the point total for managerial wins and make it a ‘free’ move week to week.

I read an article a while back when TFC signed Amado Guevara – it said ‘With the signing of Guevara and the recent addition of Laurent Robert, Toronto have gone from a questionable midfield to one of the best in MLS.’

I’ll be honest – I chuckled when I read it but plaudits to the writer because it appears he was somewhat correct. Toronto are on a two-game TEAR after beating RSL 1-nil in their home opener. And while RSL is improved, this is not much of a surprise being that BMO is the place no one wants to play. We’ll see how TFC fare with KC coming in this week.

And who would have picked Houston and DC United to be in the basement of their divisions? Houston have yet to win!! They let the Galaxy back into the game twice this weekend and lead the league with 3 draws. By contrast, their Texas rivals in Dallas have yet to lose and sit at the summit of the West. I knew Dallas would be better but a winless Houston?? I wonder how close Dom Kinnear is to the panic button these days??

Congrats to San Jose for their first win – against a Colorado side that reverted to old form for some reason. Granted San Jose have been playing some very positive football but Colorado went to New England last week and beat the Revs at home!! How do you come home and lose 2-nil to the new kids? A prime example of the unpredictability of MLS this season right there. Dallas hosts New England Thursday night.

Chicago started strong but will be tested the next few weeks.

Chivas and LA meet in the opening LA Superclassico Saturday.

Quick Hits Monday Afternoon:

-Czech MF Tomas Galasek says he will retire after the Euros

-Reports in Spain say Ronald Koeman has FINALLY been sacked at Valencia

-Man City are close a deal for Brazilian FW Jô

-Brazilian Juan Santana will replace Carlos Alberto Parreira as South Africa coach.

Thoughts & comments welcome below!